Captain of the Parish of Lonan, Stephen Carter was awarded his MBE medal at Buckingham Palace in London on Wednesday (18 Dec).
Princess Anne, The Princess Royal carried out the ceremony on behalf of King Charles.
Captain Carter was accompanied by his wife Christine and his daughters, Fenella (Left) and Vicki (Right).
Mr Carter was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June this year.
A great honour of which I am really proud, not only for me but for my family and all the hard working wonderful people who have worked for Laxey Towing Co over the last 47 years, without whom I could not have done all the things we have achieved together. It was a team effort.
Speaking to Manx.News, Mr Carter said it was “A great honour of which I am really proud, not only for me but for my family and all the hard working wonderful people who have worked for Laxey Towing Co over the last 47 years, without whom I could not have done all the things we have achieved together. It was a team effort”.
Captain Stephen Carter’s entire working life has principally been spent on or around the sea.
In 1994, he was appointed Marine Pilot for the Isle of Man, which involved boarding vessels from a small boat, in all conditions, throughout the year, to supervise the navigation, positioning and berthing of a wide selection of ships.
In total, he oversaw some 4,500 vessel movements in 29 years of service, until his recent retirement in 2023.
Isle of Man pilot
For most of that time, Captain Carter was the sole Isle of Man pilot, always on call, whenever a visiting ship was due, thereby helping maintain a vital lifeline to the Island.
He also helped keep the Port of Liverpool open, by providing boarding facilities for any pilots that were required by vessels entering or leaving the River Mersey, when weather conditions prevented routine transfers.
He undertook these transfers with exceptional skill, bravery and expertise. He has also been involved in searches for missing vessels and personnel of the Isle of Man.
Notably, he assisted and advised in raising the wreck of the Solway Harvester, which sank off the Isle of Man in 2000, with all seven crew members tragically losing their lives.
Captain Carter
In addition to his maritime services, Captain Carter has been an enthusiastic and active volunteer in his community.
He was a Board member of Lonan Parish Commissioners for over 10 years, twice serving as Chairman, as well as a Trustee of Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust.
He also currently serves as the Captain of the Parish of Lonan. For over 30 years, he has been a dedicated hands-on supporter of Lonan and Laxey Anti-Cancer Association, helping behind the scenes in the remarkable fund-raising efforts of that charity.
Captain Carter is a patriotic Manx man and a highly respected speaker at local society meetings and with the World Ship Society.
He researches and publishes Manx history books, focusing on his interest in ships.
His Majesty The King has awarded Captain Stephen Patrick Carter the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 for his outstanding services to maritime safety and the community on the Isle of Man.
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